7 Basketball Players who Played for Timberwolves and Bulls
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Timberwolves and the Bulls.
Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine is known for his high-flying dunks, scoring ability, and athleticism. Drafted 13th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2014 NBA Draft, LaVine gained immediate recognition by winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in both 2015 and 2016.
LaVine was traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2017. After recovering from an ACL injury, he emerged as the Bulls’ leading scorer and one of the main focal points of their offense.
By the 2020-2021 season, LaVine had developed into one of the premier scorers in the NBA, averaging over 27 points per game and earning his first NBA All-Star selection.
*LaVine was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 10)
LaVine Key Stats
- All-Star (Bulls)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Bulls)
Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler started his career with the Chicago Bulls in 2011, after being drafted 30th overall from Marquette University. He spent six seasons with the Bulls, becoming a three-time All-Star and a three-time All-Defensive Team member. He also won the Most Improved Player award in 20151.
He then played for the Minnesota Timberwolves for one full season with a brief stop in Philadelphia, before joining the Heat in 2019. He led the Heat to the NBA Finals in 2020 & 2023, but they weren’t able to secure a championship either trip.
Over the course of his career to date, he has averaged 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in the regular season, and 21.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game in the playoffs.
Butler Key Stats
- All NBA (Bulls, Timberwolves, Heat)
- All-Star (Bulls, Timberwolves, Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Bulls, Timberwolves, Heat)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bulls, Heat)
Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose was selected as the first overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA Draft. During his time with the Bulls, Rose earned NBA Rookie of the Year honors and became the youngest player in league history to win the Most Valuable Player award in the 2010-2011 season.
Unfortunately, Rose’s career was hindered by significant knee injuries, including a devastating ACL tear in 2012. Despite these setbacks, he managed to contribute valuable minutes with various teams such as the Knicks, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Pistons.
While with the Timberwolves, Rose recorded a career-high 50-point game, and he later played a vital role in helping the Knicks reach the playoffs in the 2020-2021 season. His career is marked by incredible talent and resilience, making him one of the most memorable point guards of his generation.
Rose Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Bulls)
- MVP (Bulls)
- All-NBA (Bulls)
- All-Star (Bulls)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Bulls)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bulls, Pistons)
Luol Deng
Luol Deng was born in South Sudan and raised in the UK. Deng’s basketball journey began internationally before he moved to the U.S. to play high school basketball. He played one season of college basketball at Duke University before declaring for the NBA.
Deng was selected 7th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2004 NBA Draft but was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls. In Chicago, he became a cornerstone of the team’s success, earning two All-Star selections and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier defenders.
After a decade with the Bulls, Deng had stints with several teams, including the Heat, Lakers, and Timberwolves. Beyond his on-court contributions, Deng was highly regarded for his humanitarian efforts, especially concerning refugees and communities affected by conflict.
Deng Key Stats
- All-Star (Bulls)
Thaddeus Young
After a standout freshman year at Georgia Tech, Thaddeus Young declared for the NBA Draft and was selected 12th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2007.
In Philadelphia, Young emerged as a consistent scorer and solid rebounder, playing seven seasons there before stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors.
He has often been praised for his work ethic and leadership, particularly in mentoring younger players. Young has career averages of 12.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game in the NBA.
Jamal Crawford
Jamal Crawford is widely regarded as one of the best sixth men in NBA history, thanks to his uncanny scoring ability and flair for the dramatic. Over the course of his lengthy career, Crawford played for several teams, leaving an indelible mark with his unique ball-handling skills and clutch shot-making ability.
Crawford was a three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year winner, a feat only a handful of players have achieved. Though he bounced around the league, some of his most memorable moments came during his stints with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Atlanta Hawks.
Whether it was scoring 50+ points in a game with multiple franchises or breaking defenders’ ankles with his signature crossover, Crawford’s style and prowess have made him a fan favorite wherever he’s played.
Mike James
Mike James began his NBA career undrafted, but he managed to break into the league in 2001 with the Miami Heat. From there, he embarked on a journey that saw him play for numerous teams, including the Celtics, Pistons, Bucks, Rockets, Raptors, Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Wizards, and Bulls.
Perhaps the highlight of his NBA tenure came during the 2005-2006 season with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged a career-high in points and showcased his ability to lead a team as a primary guard. His NBA journey was marked by his adaptability, allowing him to fit into various roles, from starting point guard to a bench contributor.
In addition to his NBA career, James had spells in international basketball, playing in France, Turkey, and Italy, which further underscored his dedication and adaptability to different styles of play and cultures.
James Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Raptors)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Raptors)
